Xander Schauffele shot a 65 on moving day at the Players Championship and will take a one-shot lead over Wyndham Clark (70) into Sunday’s finale at TPC Sawgrass.

The 30-year-old California native signed for a bogey-free card comprised of 11 pars and seven birdies. Schauffele’s day was highlighted by four birdies in a six-hole stretch around the turn (Nos. 9, 11, 12, and 14), helping him leapfrog overnight leader Clark, and secure the 54-hole lead on 17 under.

“Yeah, I mean, I only hit two fairways on the back nine. I was just told that on radio,” said Schauffele. “Don’t feel bad for me. When you make 58-footers, you kind of get up-and-down on holes like 18 from the front rough, it takes a little bit of stress off certain parts of your game.

“All in all, it was a bit of a grind. Wind was swirling a little bit for both of us, for everyone out there on the back nine. Just was happy to stay in it and move on moving day.”

Clark, who carded a 2-under 70 on Saturday, was pleased to be paired with Schauffele in the final group and sounded excited to be in contention again.

“Yeah, I always think it’s great to be in the final group and kind of know where everyone is at, so depending on what the circumstances are, you can either press it or play really smart coming in,” said Clark.

“But yeah, it’s fun playing with Xander. He’s so good, and his caddie, we’re all good friends. It’s going to be fun tomorrow. He has the upper leg right now, and I’m hoping tomorrow I bring it and we can have some fireworks and play some great golf.”

One further back was Brian Harman, who shot a low-round 64 to reach 15 under. Matt Fitzpatrick (68) and Maverick McNealy (68) shared the four spot on 13 under.

2024 PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

TOP-5 LEADERS

Pos-Player-Score (3rd Rd)
1. Xander Schauffele -17 (-7)
2. Wyndham Clark -16 (-2)
3. Brian Harman -15 (-8)
4. Matt Fitzpatrick -13 (-4)
4. Maverick McNealy -13 (-4)

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